Legendary CSK Cricketer Registers For ILT20 After Retirement

Former CSK cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently announced his decision to retire from the Indian Premier League, closing a major chapter in his career. The veteran spinner, who returned to the Chennai Super Kings for the 2025 season, officially confirmed his retirement on August 27. His announcement was met with warm wishes from teammates, former cricketers, and fans who praised his contribution to both franchise and international cricket.
When he declared his exit from the IPL, it was not very clear what his next step would be. Many wondered if R Ashwin would continue his journey in cricket through coaching, commentary, or simply take a break after years of competitive cricket. However, the off-spinner appears to have already mapped out his future.

Just a few days after his farewell post, Ashwin has confirmed that he will now take part in some of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. The reports confirmed that he has registered for its player auction, thus joining the list of Indian cricketers who have moved to explore opportunities abroad after their IPL careers. Fans are now curious to see which team he might represent and whether he will once again don a new jersey in competitive cricket.

R Ashwin ILT20: Legendary Spinner's New Role After IPL Retirement

R Ashwin retirement came just days before the news of his registration for the ILT20 League auction. The veteran confirmed in an interaction with Cricbuzz that he has officially submitted his name for the upcoming auction, which is scheduled to be held on September 30 in Dubai. The league itself will run from December 2 to January 4.

The last date for player registration is September 10. R Ashwin IPL Retirement was seen as the end of his participation in Indian franchise cricket, but he made it clear that he wants to keep playing the game at the highest level in overseas tournaments. He also mentioned that he hopes to find a buyer in the league, and if picked, R Ashwin ILT20 dream will be fulfilled.

So if he joins the league, he will be joining the list of several Indian cricketers who have represented teams in this league. So far, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu have been part of the tournament.

This move came after Ashwin ended his international career in December 2024, during India’s tour of Australia. He finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets, behind only Anil Kumble’s 619. His decision to retire from the IPL was another big step, but enrolling in the ILT20 league shows his intention to continue as an active player.

ILT20 League 2025 Auction Model

The ILT20 League, based in the United Arab Emirates, has adopted an auction model for the first time in 2025. Until last year, teams followed a draft system to pick their squads. The change has generated attention, with comparisons being made to the IPL-style bidding format. The auction will take place in Dubai on September 30, where franchises will compete to sign international and retired Indian players.

Ashwin's IPL career might be over, but his presence in this league will bring experience and attention to the tournament. For Indian fans, it will be unusual to see him represent a non-IPL Franchise. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, the richest cricket board in the world, does not allow active Indian players to participate in foreign leagues, but once a player retires from Indian cricket, they become eligible to join overseas competitions.

This is why only former players like Uthappa, Rayudu, and Pathan have appeared in the ILT20 league so far. Ashwin's IPL Retirement created headlines across the cricket world, but this quick transition to another league suggests he is not yet done with the sport. With his reputation as one of India’s greatest match-winners, his involvement will bring a new spotlight to the ILT20 League.